Date Approved

5-8-2008

Embargo Period

3-21-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Special Education

Department

Interdisciplinary and Inclusive Education

College

College of Education

Advisor

Xin, Joy

Subject(s)

Achievement tests--New Jersey; Students with disabilities--New Jersey

Disciplines

Special Education and Teaching

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers' attitudes towards the New Jersey's Alternate Proficiency Assessment (APA) for students with severe disabilities. A total of 25 special education teachers, who had experiences in the APA portfolio implementation, participate in this study. A survey including 25 questions on a five point Likert scale was provided to all participating teachers as well as an interview for six teachers to obtain their feedback in depth. Surveyed teachers reported that they were trained to prepare for their students' portfolios as required by the state. However, many concerns were raised by the teachers in regards to the time spent in preparing for each student's portfolio as well as limited benefit to their instructional improvement. The follow-up interview provided detailed comments that were consistent with the survey results. The implications on improving the APA process have been discussed to support teachers in implementing the alternate assessment.

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